Principal Mechanical Engineer

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Reading Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead engineering projects, ensuring design integrity and effective team collaboration.
  • Company: Cavendish Nuclear is a leader in the UK nuclear industry, focused on safety and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a matched pension scheme, health consultations, and paid volunteering days.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team, challenge the norm, and make a real impact in engineering.
  • Qualifications: HNC/HND in Engineering or equivalent; Chartered status preferred.
  • Other info: Nuclear experience not required; all engineering backgrounds welcome.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Job Title: Principal Mechanical Engineer

Location: Flexible, UK + Hybrid Working Arrangement

Compensation: Competitive Salary + Benefits

Role Type: Full time / Permanent

Role ID: SF

Drive Innovation in Defence Nuclear Engineering

At Cavendish Nuclear we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as a Principal Mechanical Engineer at one of our key locations: Warrington (Cheshire) or Preston (Lancashire).

The role

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. This role will contribute to a high-impact public sector Defence Nuclear infrastructure initiative focused on enhancing operational resilience and sustainability across critical systems. The project involves complex mechanical systems integration, requiring innovative engineering solutions within a multidisciplinary team.

Day-to-day, you’ll lead multidisciplinary engineering teams, oversee the delivery of complex technical solutions, and act as a key point of contact for customers, ensuring high standards of safety, quality, and performance while mentoring others and driving continuous improvement across projects.

  • Lead and manage multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver high-quality technical solutions aligned with customer requirements and project scope.
  • Supervise and mentor engineers and technical specialists, ensuring effective performance, development, and adherence to engineering standards.
  • Act as a key liaison with customers, fostering strong relationships and ensuring transparent communication on technical progress and delivery.
  • Oversee the production, review, and approval of engineering outputs, including calculations, specifications, and reports, ensuring compliance with relevant codes and standards.
  • Champion health, safety, and environmental standards across engineering activities, promoting a culture of best practice and continuous improvement.
  • This role is full time, 37 hours per week provides hybrid working arrangements with 3 days in the office/onsite, at one of our key locations: Warrington (Cheshire) or Preston (Lancashire).

    Essential experience of the Principal Mechanical Engineer:

  • Extensive experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and delivering complex technical projects within agreed scope, timeframes, and quality standards.
  • Proven ability to supervise and mentor engineers and technical specialists, fostering professional development and ensuring high performance.
  • Strong background in producing, reviewing, and approving detailed engineering outputs, including calculations, specifications, and technical reports.
  • Demonstrated expertise in applying relevant procedures, codes, and standards to ensure compliance and technical integrity across engineering activities.
  • Track record of effective customer engagement, including managing relationships, resolving technical issues, and supporting business development initiatives.
  • Qualifications for the Principal Mechanical Engineer:

  • Engineering degree (or equivalent qualification) in relevant engineering discipline, with significant demonstrable experience.
  • Security Clearance

    The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Standard (BPSS) / Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role. Further details are available at

    What we offer

  • Generous holiday allowance
  • Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
  • Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
  • Employee share scheme
  • Employee shopping savings portal
  • Payment of Professional Fees
  • Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave
  • Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Cavendish employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement. This Window opens February through to March annually.
  • ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day\’s paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity
  • Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
  • Cavendish Nuclear

    As a leader within the UK nuclear industry, Cavendish Nuclear, part of

    Principal Mechanical Engineer employer: Babcock International Group

    Cavendish Nuclear is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With competitive salaries, a matched contribution pension scheme, and unique benefits like 'Be Kind Day' for volunteering, employees are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. The hybrid working arrangement allows for flexibility, making it an ideal workplace for those seeking meaningful contributions in the nuclear industry from either our Bristol or Newbury locations.
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    Contact Detail:

    Babcock International Group Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with the specific engineering standards and codes relevant to the nuclear industry. Even if you don't have direct nuclear experience, showing that you understand these standards can set you apart from other candidates.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Network with professionals in the nuclear sector or related fields. Attend industry events or join online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture at Cavendish Nuclear.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlighting your ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders will be crucial for this role.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Prepare to discuss your experience with CAD tools and general engineering drawing practices in detail. Being able to articulate your technical skills confidently will help you stand out during interviews.

    We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Engineer

    Mechanical Engineering Expertise
    CAD Software Proficiency
    General Engineering Drawing Practice
    Project Management Skills
    Stakeholder Relationship Management
    Technical Report Writing
    Risk Management
    Team Leadership
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Communication Skills
    Attention to Detail
    Design Lifecycle Management
    Adaptability
    Customer Liaison Skills

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Principal Mechanical Engineer position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role.

    Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your engineering background, especially any leadership roles or projects where you demonstrated high performance and problem-solving skills. Mention any experience with CAD tools and stakeholder management.

    Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Discuss how your values align with Cavendish Nuclear's mission and how you can contribute to their goals.

    Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International Group

    ✨Understand the Role

    Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Principal Mechanical Engineer. Familiarise yourself with the engineering configuration and design lifecycle, as well as the importance of effective cooperation across teams.

    ✨Showcase Your Experience

    Even if you don't have nuclear experience, highlight your engineering background and any relevant projects you've worked on. Be prepared to discuss how your skills can contribute to managing customer relationships and resolving technical issues.

    ✨Prepare for Technical Questions

    Expect questions related to CAD tools and General Engineering Drawing Practice. Brush up on your knowledge in these areas and be ready to demonstrate your ability to produce and review technical documentation.

    ✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

    As this role involves leading a team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share examples of how you've built strong relationships with stakeholders and managed project risks effectively.

    Principal Mechanical Engineer
    Babcock International Group
    Location: Reading
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